Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Today i decided to check out some cosmetic company websites to get a peek at the fall collections from the comfort of my own home..this was a terrible idea as I am now lusting after so many pretty things (some in new collections, some are permanent items)!! Here's my shopping list:

Bobbi Brown Pot Rogue in Calypso Coral: I looove Bobbie Brown Pot Rouges! They have such a creamy consistancy and set as a glowy, dewy finish. I prefer this to cream to powder finishes because the look comes off much more healthy and natural. This pinky-orange coral shade is so pretty! I need it!

This product can be worn on the lips as well, though I suggest applying a little lip balm first.

Lancome Fall 2010 Ombre Magnetique in Cherry Cherie: This glittery shadow has the most gorgeous sheen. The raspberry color (not so cherry I would say) is so pretty for fall. Lancome claims this formula doesn't crease and contains polymers that make it last. Guess I'll have to get some and let you know.

Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight: I always ask myself "Why don't you have that?!". I swatch it every time I enter a Sephora, I'm just plain drawn to it I guess. I 've been told numerous times that this is the lip gloss Kim Kardashian wears, and yes, that made me want it more. This gloss is a really pale, pinky nude with a very creamy finish. Will I finally buy this product or will it remain in the realm of covetable items for a bit longer?

Nars Fall 2010 Eye Shadow in Daphne: Named after the extraordinary fashion icon/socialite Daphne Guinness, this shadow looks to be just about wonderful. I super love any bright violet shadow even though I'm not so sure they look good on me. Either way, I'm going to go ahead and keep thinking about this one.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

So usually I'm pretty neutral when it comes to makeup. Lately however, I've really been on a color kick. Bright fun summery shades look great in the summer, when your skin is brighter and you've gotten a little sun, these colors really pop and can look fresh.

Nicka K. Cosmetics HD eyeshadows: While browsing a local bargin shop I came across a delicious tray of bright super pigmented eyeshadows at $1.20 a pop! I just had to grab a few. I was nervous

about the quality however I have used these and they

are Great!! The colors are so rich and they stay put all day. I'm definitely scooping up some more of these!

Here are some swatches (photo quality is poor but trust me...it's bright!)

blue: 3059

orangey pink #3004: very

similar to Mac's Passionate!

Magenta #3039

Wet n' Wild lipstick 907 C: This is a great berry toned pink. It's very wearable for most skin tones in all seasons. This shade pairs well with brights shadows worn as liner...and it's only about $2! Can't beat that!

YSL water resistant cream eyeshadow 40G210: I purchased this in Barcelona pretty recently. This was a case of the ad sucking me in...it was just so pretty! The model had this on as eyeliner on the top and bottom and it was paired with an orangey red lipstick and gloss. I know, I know, sounds crazy...and it was....CRAZY GORGEOUS! So i bought it. I haven't seen it at any YSL counter in the US however I'm sure it's available for purchase online. It can be worn as shadow or liner and it absolutely does not budge!

Friday, July 16, 2010

I'm currently loving the makeup shown at Anna Sui's fall 2010 show. This is the perfect look for fall...ugh! the end of summer I know! But it's coming people, whether we like it or not. So when the sweaters and boots come out of storage I will be looking to recreate this look. This face screams fashion yet is still very wearable. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of mauve and taupe tones in fall makeup collections.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

There's nothing I love more than wandering the aisles of Sephora or the makeup counters at Bloomingdales, however, a trip to the local drugstore can scratch that "cosmetics itch" easily and affordably. With most beauty products hitting under the $10 mark, loading up on products won't break the bank or cause buyer's remorse. Did that blush make you break out? At $4 toss it..who cares! Here's a brief list of my drugstore must haves:

Revlon lipgloss in Coral Reef: Created by the fabulous and famous makeup artist Gucci Westman this gloss is highly pigmented and imparts a creamy coral finish. It's not too sticky and the shade is a perfect companion to any summer look. In my opinion, this shade would be flattering on most skin tones as it is more of a pink toned coral rather than yellow.

Psst Dry Shampoo: This dry shampoo is great for those of us who don't shampoo everyday. A few spritzes at the roots soak up oil and leave a fresh scent. Shampoo everyday? This spray is also good to use as a root lifter, volumizer, or used allover it can create a matte finish for that teased 60's look.

Nivea Creme:

This thick cream is a great moisturizer for the face, body and lips. The winters up here in Chicago can be pretty brutal on my skin leaving it dry and flaky but smearing this stuff on every night really calms it down leaving it soft, smooth and hydrated. I keep a small tin of it in my purse and a large pot on my sink. It can be a bit greasy so it should be used sparingly.

Vaseline: I have been using this to take off eye make since my very first swipe of mascara because IT WORKS!! Vaseline takes off EVERYTHING! including pesky waterproof eye makeup. Not only is it a great remover, it moisturizes lashes leaving them soft and shiny. For years my mother has proclaimed this as the secret to no wrinkles (she puts it on her face everynight!). Vaseline is also a great moisturizer for the face and body.

CoverGirl Instant Cheekbones in Peach Perfection: The darkest shade used as a contour, medium shade as blush and pale shade as highlight...you really can create instant cheekbones! The shade is similar to Nars Orgasm minus the gold shimmer. This peachy pink blush gives a healthy natural glow and for me is an old standby.

Loreal Voluminous Mascara Carbon Black: I was a little hesitant to put this on my list as it's on the list of most beauty bloggers (that's how I found out about it!) but it's just too good. In my opinion, this is the BEST drug store mascara out there. It's deep deep black, it doesn't flake, run or fade...no one wants those grey flakey lashes 2 hours into the day! Curl lashed first and this mascara will hold the curl all day. The only negative about this product: it get thick and clumpy quick...but...it's super cheap and often on sale so buying yourself a fresh tube is no biggie.

Rimmel Lipstick in Crush: This lipstick is the perfect summer shade. It's a sandy peach shade with a teeny tiny hint of frost. The finish is creamy and sheer. I like to replace my classic nude with this when the temperature starts to rise. This color isn't for everyone as it's on the orange side...but try it! you might love it.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Lately, I've become obsessed with many things. Being inspired by something (or just simply lusting after it) can be quite fun and it seems like the summertime triggers some sort of obsession high, be it the perfect lipstick, sundress or song. Let's face it, summer's just more fun and we feel more free to experiment. So, here's a list of my current summertime obsessions:

1. Pastel Nail Polishes: Creamy, milky, opaques hues lo

ok great on tanned fingers and toes. I get a real Malibu Barbie feel in Essie's Van d'go. These shades tend to go on a bit gloppy and streaky, so they do require a steady hand and several coats but the results are worth it!

Essie Lilacism

Revlon Minted

Essie Van d'go

2. Lily Aldrigde Hair: This is the perfect grown out summer hair. Dark roots mixed with brassy (dare I use brassy as a positive?!) sun bleached locks give a real surfer girl look.It's a good option for us dark hair ladies who want to lighten up for summer without ending up completely blonde. This is definitely the picture I'll bring to my next hair appointment.

3. Vespa Stella in baby blue: Who hasn't fantasized about zipping around Europe on one of these babies (see Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday) except I want to drive! This isn't actually a "current obsession"..this one's been going on for a while...it's just too cute!

4. American Apparel Neon swim suit: My long awaited trip to Miami is finally approaching and i can't stop lusting after bright, fluorescent items to wear on this trip! This will look crazy great on the beach with a nice tan...it's a bit tacky...but i like that! Plus the color will match that margarita in my hand!

5. Hamburger Mary's Malibu Mojito: So this is a year round love..it just tastes like pure summer so it really beats those winter blues, but there's really nothing better to beat the heat than sipping on one of these babies on the patio. A basic mojito mixed with malibu coconut rum and muddled pineapple...yum!

I'm a twenty something fashion student living in Chicago obsessed with all things beautiful..in other words...a complete VANITY CASE! i hope you enjoy my daily musings on all things superficial and inspiring...be it art, music, makeup or fashion. xoxo jessica.